The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has proposed strict action against spam callers and fraudulent messaging entities. Under a new draft regulation, phone connections flagged by AI-based spam detection systems of telecom operators may be disconnected even without subscriber complaints.
The proposal was included in the draft Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026 released on Friday.
All Connections of Violators May Be Disconnected
According to the proposal, all telecom connections associated with a violator could be disconnected, even if some of those numbers were not directly used for spam calls or messages.
TRAI said the changes are based on feedback from stakeholders and recent developments such as AI-based detection of unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) by telecom operators.
AI Technology Used to Detect Spam Calls
Major telecom companies have already deployed AI-based tools to detect spam calls and messages by analyzing caller behaviour patterns.
These systems warn users about potential spam calls before they answer them, helping customers avoid fraudulent or unwanted communications.
Blockchain System to Track Spam Calls
Under the proposed rules, if a telecom operator detects suspicious spam activity, the terminating access provider (TAP)—the network receiving the call—must share details of the caller with the originating access provider (OAP) within two hours.
The information will be shared using blockchain-based systems already implemented for mapping spam communications.
Notice and KYC Re-verification for Suspected Callers
The telecom operator from whose network the call originated will send a notice to the suspected spam caller via SMS or email informing them that their number has been flagged.
The operator must then restart the KYC verification process within one day and identify all telecom connections linked to the sender.
Telecom Operators to Verify Spam Alerts
Operators will also check if other telecom connections linked to the suspected caller were flagged by AI systems in the previous 10 days.
If multiple telecom operators detect spam alerts related to the same person, coordinated action will be taken against the violator.
Physical KYC Required for Repeat Violations
Telecom companies will conduct re-verification within three business days of receiving a spam alert.
If the number is flagged again, the telecom provider must conduct physical KYC verification to confirm whether the connections are being misused.
If the KYC details do not match or the telecom resources are found to be used for spam calls or messages, outgoing services for all telecom connections linked to the user will be blocked for 15 days.
One-Year Disconnection for Repeated Violations
In case of repeated violations, telecom operators will conduct another physical KYC verification within five days.
If misuse is confirmed, all telecom connections associated with the sender will be disconnected for one year, regardless of whether those connections were used for spam communications.
Devices Used for Spam Calls Also to Be Blocked
TRAI has also proposed that devices used for making spam calls or messages will be blocked across all telecom networks for one year.
The regulator said the proposed amendments aim to strengthen the regulatory framework, reduce spam communications, and protect telecom users from fraudulent calls and messages.
